How to write an obituary

You should never write an obituary in the first person, substitute “I will miss them” with “they will be missed”. Once the obituary is published you will not be credited as the source of the story, so it is quite jarring for a reader to see personal quotes like this.

Know Your Limits

Before you sit down to write be very certain of the word count you will need, and the space in which the obituary will be appearing. Many newspapers have a limited word count for obituaries, and if you submit work that is too long they will simply leave out sections – and may omit something you really want to publish.

Include Details

When someone dies those who once knew them would often like to know. When you’re writing the obituary it is often helpful to include references to their schools, colleges, previous employers etc. Previous classmates and co-workers will be able to find the obituary much more easily if these details are included.

Discuss Hobbies

Writing about a person’s interests and hobbies is a great way to add some colour to an obituary. The deceased more than likely had a few hobbies or interests, and it is nice to share them to give a glimpse at who they really were and what they really enjoyed doing.

Tie It Up Nicely

To finish off your obituary it is often a good idea to close it up with something profound. A few ways in which you can do this is to end it with a famous quote or phrase, perhaps a verse from their favourite poem, or you can also thank an organisation that may have been instrumental in the deceased’s life.

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Dear Audrey, Robin and all at Hyde-Chambers.
Thank you for all of your help making arrangements for day and everything you did on the day. You made a difficult time easier.

R. Cass

Thank you again, Noels funeral planned with love and gratitude for sharing his life went off so well because of you. Thank you.

C.Todd

Our gratitude toward you is felt in every way, Thank you for my nephew’s funeral that was handled so well. Many thanks again.

J & E Hart

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Hyde-Chambers that was involved in my mother’s funeral Mrs Dorothy T, It was a send-off my mother would have been proud of. You all did such a wonderful job it was perfect. I am so glad I was recommended by a dear friend who also lost his mum earlier this year. Thank you all so much for your kindness at this time.

S & K Kempster-Arscott

Dear Audrey, We would like to thank you for all your care and kindness during this difficult time and also for all your patience during the following weeks. Many thanks

Rosa. S & family

I would like to thank you all for the excellent service you have provided for us at this time. Also the personal care you have given through it all which has been first class.